52 Project-2016-The Zone System

January 29, 2016

This week’s assignment was to take photos using the Zone System scale; a system formulated by Ansel Adams and Fred Archer. The scale divides white, gray and black tones in between 11 Zones, with the middle – Zone V – as its neutral gray. If used correctly, the scale ensures correct exposure every time in every situation!

The photos selected below provide a few examples of what happens when you spot meter off of different Zones and how I should have adjusted my exposure. All are SOOC.

Left photo: I metered off of the dark brown fur, which was too dark, and the result was an overexposed photo. Solution – increase f stop 2 stops towards Zone V.

Right photo: I metered off of the sky, which was too bright, and that caused an underexposed photo. Solution – decrease f stop 2 stops towards Zone V.

Below photo: The final photo metered off of the lightest gray in the cement, closest to Zone V.

Go out this weekend and experiment with the Zone System; you’ll enjoy the results. Now, visit the the next photographer in the project blog circle, Carol Locey Photography serving the Greater Cincinnati, OH area.